Archer backs grand final referees

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NRL referees boss Tony Archer has applauded the performance of grand final officials Matt Cecchin and Ben Cummins, and the Bunker, throughout the Sharks' drought-breaking win against Melbourne on Sunday.

"There was obviously one early in the game when Michael Ennis was correctly penalised for a high tackle, and then Welch from Melbourne was penalised later in the game," Archer said.

"Now this one was a little bit different – the player is falling to the ground – but there is high contact from Welch and that is a penalty. Obviously throughout the whole semi-final campaign we've been pretty strong in that area and the referees correctly ruled on both of those decisions in that match."

Archer was pleased with the performance of the officials overall.

"Obviously a close game so every decision [was] very, very crucial in this match but I thought they got the majority of those right and very, very happy with their performance."